KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the degree controversy should not be blown up as the degree was not fake and the individuals were not lying.
“Firstly, the degree is not fake. It is from a university that is not accredited. That is all. But they did earn the degree.
“Secondly, they do have a degree, so they are not lying to voters. The difference is when you don’t have a degree but you lie that you have one,” he said.
However, he said the ultimate decision was up to the Prime Minister.
“The Prime Minister is in a position to make the final decision on his cabinet and we should leave it to him,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territories’ “Kenduri Rakyat” event at the Flat Seri Johor soccer field in Bandar Tun Razak which was in conjunction with Federal Territories Day celebration.
More than 10,000 city dwellers flocked to the soccer field where they were feted to futsal, traditional performances, and food prepared by the community around Flat Seri Johor.
Khalid said today’s event follow the theme for 2019 Federal Territory Day which is “Sayangi Wilayahku” (Love my Territory).
In his speech, Khalid said his ministry had launched a new policy called “Wilayah Dipeduli, Harapan Dipenuhi” to create a caring environment, healthy and safety, focussing on a clean city, public safety, effective public transportation, a solid socio-economic policy, a green environment and an inclusive community.
He also pointed out that Kuala Lumpur had been picked as World Book Capital 2020 by Unesco, adding more prestige to the city.
Khalid was also asked about the relocation of the bazaar traders near Jalan Masjid India and he said the move was to ensure a proper restructuring of the business areas as the bazaars had blocked many of the older premises that have been operating there for decades.
He hoped that the matter would be resolved amicably with all the traders involved.